Light-reactive lenses deliver perhaps the most widespread range of benefits of any lens or enhancement available. From the convenience factor to the visual benefits to the peace of mind of UV and blue light defense, these lenses are a perfect choice for most any patient. But, as is the case in the great balancing act of daily life, there is almost always a yin to the yang.

​When it comes to light-reactive lenses, the yang is found in certain external factors that can influence their performance.

Does this mean they’re not a good recommendation? Absolutely not. In fact, some of these factors yield positive results. What it means is that it’s best to discuss these factors with your patients and set realistic expectations for performance.

And speaking of realistic expectations, it’s important to remind patients that these impacts are more the exception than the rule. They’re generally infrequent and short-lived. But bringing awareness to them helps your patients understand why their lenses may experience a temporary change in performance, which helps to preempt patient concerns, improve patient experience, and avoid frustrated phone calls down the road.​In this post, we’ll take a look at 12 factors that influence light-reactive lens performance, how they impact performance, and tips for discussing them with your patients.

Ambient Temperature

Temperature is perhaps the most common impact to light-reactive lens performance. Hot temperatures can speed up fade-back times but inhibit darkness, and cold temps can slow down fade back while increasing outdoor darkness.

​How to address it with patients: Remind patients that we’re talking about extreme temperatures here. If you’re in an area that exceeds the 100-degree mark or dips below freezing, give your patients an idea of what to expect. Certain light-reactive lenses do offer better temperature stability to provide more reliable performance in areas where temperature swings are common.

Surface Reflections

Remember, UV light is magnified when reflected off surfaces like windows, mirrors, water, snow, the hood of your car, and even concrete. This reflected UV light will activate and even bump up the degree of photochromic activation.

How to address it with patients: Explain that this is a good thing. When in bright environments with sustained exposure to reflected UV (at a lake, by the pool, on the beach, or in the snow), a fully activated lens is exactly what you want.

Tinted Windows

This one’s a biggie for extra-active lenses that work in the car. Since these lenses activate in response to UV and visible light, tinted windows inhibit performance by reducing the amount of visible light hitting the lens.

How to address it with patients: If a patient wants a light-reactive lens but drives a car with tinted windows, your best bet would be to recommend a light-reactive lens as their primary pair and a pair of prescription suns for behind the wheel. If a patient has lightly tinted windows and would like to try an extra-active, remind them that they can try SunSync Drive XT risk-free for a year. If they’re not satisfied they can return them within 12 months for a replacement pair of clear prescription lenses at no charge.

Untreated Windows

Windows without tinting or filtration can allow UV and visible light to pass through unimpeded, which can result in indoor activation if sitting directly beside them for extended periods.​

How to address it with patients: Explain that untreated windows aren’t very common these days, but if their lenses start darkening at a window-side restaurant table, or in their corner office with a view, this is the reason. If they’re considering extra-active, light-reactive lenses for the car, remind them that untreated windows will enhance in-car performance by allowing a larger dose of UV light into the vehicle.

Time of Day

UV levels are highest from 2 – 4 p.m. UV levels are lower in the morning and at dusk, which could result in lenses that aren’t quite as dark.

How to address it with patients: This is another environmental factor that can be beneficial. A person is going to want their lenses nice and dark during the brightest times of the day, and slightly lighter during times of reduced lighting for visibility. That’s a benefit sunglasses can’t offer.

Time of Year

UV levels are highest during the summer months and the temperature is generally hotter, so in extreme climates, performance could be impacted. The same goes for the coldest parts of the country come wintertime.

How to address it with patients: Remind patients in extremely hot or cold climates how temperature affects performance during specific seasons. For those in very hot climates, fade-back speed is actually enhanced, so use that as a positive point in your discussion.

Facing Direction

Light-reactive lenses are going to work better outdoors with full exposure to sunlight. So, if you’re facing or driving (with extra-actives) away from the sun, they will not get as dark or retain their color as long.

How to address it with patients: Simply set the expectation that facing away from the sun for extended period can result in lighter lenses. Since most of us change direction constantly, this would only be a realistic drawback for someone like a semi-truck driver who may face one direction for hours on end.

Attire

Hats are designed to shade your face and that’s where light-reactive lenses sit. Light-reactive lenses don’t work as well in the shade where they’re not getting full exposure to UV-rich sunlight.

How to address it with patients: Some people do wear hats on a daily basis, so explain that a lens that won’t fully darken could be a result of a wide-brimmed hat or cap.

Weather

UV levels are lower on cloudy days, which can impact how dark the lenses get outdoors.

How to address it with patients: Similar to the time of day consideration, a less-tinted lens during darker, overcast weather can improve visibility. Again, this is a benefit that standard sunglasses can’t provide.

Activation History

Light-reactive lenses don’t have an infinite lifespan. Lens performance will decrease the more frequently they’re activated and deactivated, and the longer they remain in the darkened state. Average light-reactive lens lifespan is about two years with normal use.

How to address it with patients: This isn’t going to be a deal-breaker for most patients since they get new lenses each year. For those who like to stretch their dollar (and lens life), there are certain light-reactive lenses like SunSync Elite that retain their performance better over longer period.

Indoor Lighting

Certain light bulbs now emit light in the UV range, which can activate light-reactive lenses indoors. Other indoor bulbs can emit a more intense amount of visible light which can activate an extra-active lens when in close proximity.

How to address it with patients: UV bulbs are commonly used in hospitals or food prep areas where germ-control is a necessity. If you’re sitting across from a surgeon, a butcher, or anyone else in an environment where sharp tools are commonplace and completely clear lenses are imperative, a light-reactive lens wouldn’t be their best primary pair. Recommending a standard prescription lens with a light-reactive lens as a second pair, or recommending a primary light-reactive pair with a task-oriented second pair would be wise with patients like these.

Altitude

​UV intensity is greater at high altitudes which can improve outdoor performance. But keep in mind that weather conditions – especially colder temperatures – can be more extreme at higher altitude too.

How to address it with patients: Providing extra darkness and 100% UV protection is a great benefit for people who live or retreat up in the mountains. On the flipside, remind patients that fade-back speed can be slowed during cold winter months. SunSync Elite’s a perfect option for mountain men and women, as it still delivers faster fade-back speed – even in colder climates.

Today’s patients have limitless sources of information at their fingertips, and their first step when considering a purchase is usually to comb through reviews, ratings, and readily available research. Transparency is more important than ever. It’s best to approach each patient as though they’ve already discovered these facts for themselves and serve up the information as a reminder. It’ll make their experience in the dispensary feel like less of an upsell, and more like an informative, sincere effort to ensure their satisfaction. That goes a long way when deciding who they visit this time next year.

How do you address impacts to light-reactive lens performance with patients? Tell us in the comments section below.​